The symptoms of iron-deficiency anaemia are sometimes hard to detect because they are similar to a normal state of tiredness.
If you have iron deficiency anaemia, it is important that it is detected early. Without wanting to scare you, we need to advise you that living with untreated iron deficiency anaemia can lead to serious health complications. If you notice any anaemia symptoms in yourself and would like to get tested, get in touch with our expert team today.
A sensible private blood test panel for suspected anaemia would usually be:
Full blood count, ferritin, iron studies, vitamin B12, folate, and CRP. Doctors may also wish to assess kidney function, liver function and thyroid function.
| Blood test | What it helps assess |
| Full blood count (FBC) | Confirms whether haemoglobin is low and assesses red blood cells |
| Ferratin | Checks iron stores; often the most useful marker for iron deficiency anaemia |
| Iron studies | Usually includes serum iron, transferrin or TIBC, and transferrin saturation |
| Vitamin B12 | Helps assess B12 deficiency anaemia |
| Folate | Helps assess folate deficiency anaemia |
CRP or inflammation markers | Helps interpret ferritin, which can rise with inflammation |
A blood test can confirm anaemia, but it is important to understand why it has happened. Causes can include iron deficiency, blood loss, heavy periods, pregnancy, B12 or folate deficiency, inflammation, kidney disease, medication effects or less common blood disorders.
Anyone with severe breathlessness, chest pain, fainting, black stools, heavy bleeding, pregnancy-related symptoms, or rapidly worsening weakness should seek urgent medical advice rather than relying on a routine blood test.
Anaemia is a common (but exhausting!) condition where your body has fewer red blood cells than normal, reducing its ability to transport oxygen to nearby tissues. If you have anaemia, you’ll likely have iron deficiency anaemia. This has many causes, including:
People with anaemia usually take iron & ferritin supplements or have iron infusions. After your blood tests, your doctor will advise you of a treatment plan for anaemia.
Our North West clinics offer fast access to high quality private healthcare services with our qualified and experienced Private GP's on hand from Monday through Saturday. Get the best medical care without waiting weeks for an appointment.
At Pall Mall Medical, we offer fast access to private blood testing with next-day appointments available across our North West clinics.
Your sample is analysed by accredited laboratories, and you'll receive reliable results within days. If further investigation or treatment is needed, our experienced GPs and healthcare professionals can guide you through the next steps, helping you get answers quickly without long waiting times.
The first and most important test for diagnosing anaemia is a Full Blood Count (FBC). This measures your haemoglobin level and assesses the size and number of your red blood cells. Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may also recommend additional tests, such as ferritin, iron studies, vitamin B12 and folate, to help identify the underlying cause of the anaemia.
Anaemia can cause a range of symptoms, which often develop gradually. Common symptoms include:
Persistent tiredness or fatigue
Weakness or low energy
Shortness of breath
Dizziness or light-headedness
Pale skin
Heart palpitations
Headaches
Cold hands and feet
Numbness or pins and needles
A sore tongue or mouth ulcers
If you're experiencing these symptoms, a blood test can help determine whether anaemia may be the cause.
Anaemia occurs when your body doesn't have enough healthy red blood cells or haemoglobin to carry oxygen effectively. Common causes include iron deficiency, vitamin B12 or folate deficiency, heavy menstrual bleeding, pregnancy, chronic kidney disease, inflammation, certain medications and long-term health conditions. Identifying the underlying cause is an important part of diagnosis and treatment.
Our recommended anaemia blood test panel typically includes:
Full Blood Count (FBC)
Ferritin
Iron Studies
Vitamin B12
Folate
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
Depending on your symptoms and medical history, your clinician may also recommend kidney function, liver function or thyroid function tests to provide a more complete assessment.
Most anaemia blood tests do not require fasting, so you can usually eat and drink as normal before your appointment. However, if your clinician has requested additional tests that require fasting, we'll let you know when you book.
Most blood test results are available within a few days, depending on the tests requested. Once your results are available, they'll be reviewed and explained, with guidance on any further investigations or treatment that may be appropriate.
A blood test can often indicate the likely type of anaemia by assessing your haemoglobin levels, red blood cell size and iron, vitamin B12 and folate levels. However, further investigations may sometimes be needed to identify the underlying cause, particularly if blood loss or an underlying medical condition is suspected.
Yes. You can book an anaemia blood test at Pall Mall Medical without a GP referral. If you're unsure which blood tests you need, our healthcare team can help you choose the most appropriate option based on your symptoms.
If your results show that you have anaemia, it's important to understand why. Depending on the findings, you may be advised to have further investigations or treatment, such as iron supplementation, vitamin replacement, dietary advice or referral for additional assessment. Our clinicians can explain your results and recommend the most appropriate next steps.
Anaemia is relatively common during pregnancy, and blood tests are often used to monitor iron levels and overall health. If you're pregnant and experiencing symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness or shortness of breath, it's important to speak with your midwife, GP or obstetric team. If you develop severe symptoms or have concerns about your pregnancy, seek urgent medical advice.
A routine blood test is appropriate for many people with symptoms of anaemia. However, you should seek urgent medical assessment if you experience:
Chest pain
Severe shortness of breath
Fainting or collapse
Black or bloody stools
Heavy or uncontrolled bleeding
Rapidly worsening weakness
Concerning symptoms during pregnancy
These symptoms may require immediate medical investigation and should not be delayed while waiting for routine blood test results.
A member of our team will be in touch with you to discuss your requirements.
